Hamptons Style Manly Enhancement
A full external redesign on The Esplanade, Manly that modernised a classic waterfront home with upgrades for everyday living in Brisbane.
The owners approached us for a complete redesign of their home. The top floor had three bedrooms but no ensuite, and the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor areas all needed upgrading. The vision was to stay true to the home’s Hamptons identity while creating beautifully updated spaces for entertaining, relaxing and working from home.
Design Journey & Build Expansion
The Esplanade project began with a classic Hamptons-style design, but the homeowners wanted a modern upgrade that delivered both luxury and functionality. The original brief focused on kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, but as the project evolved, the scope expanded. Additions such as an in-house salon, a feature staircase, and a fully refurbished pool were introduced to elevate the home. Working closely with the clients, Waddell Projects ensured every new idea fit seamlessly into the design. The result was a transformation that honoured the property’s Hamptons character while delivering contemporary features that matched the family’s lifestyle.
Construction Challenges
Despite careful planning, the build presented several challenges. The sloping site and proximity to boundaries required precise management, while unexpected underground pipework and complex pool refurbishment added further obstacles. Upstairs, the layout had to be reworked to include a new ensuite without compromising room sizes, requiring careful spatial planning. Waddell Projects responded with proactive planning, detailed coordination, and open communication with the homeowners. By addressing each challenge quickly and presenting clear solutions, the team ensured the project stayed on track. These strategies allowed the home to be delivered to a high standard while minimising disruption and delays.
Material Highlights & Finishes
The Esplanade renovation combined timeless Hamptons charm with premium finishes. Outside, weatherboards, coastal tones, and new circle windows created a refreshed façade, while the addition of a deck, gatehouse, and driveway improved both style and function. Inside, the kitchen became a showpiece with custom cabinetry, vertical panelling, and a striking black Smeg oven. Bathrooms featured stone double vanities, chrome tapware, and refined detailing. A new feature staircase, timber accents, and large windows tied the interiors together. Every finish was selected to enhance durability and luxury, ensuring the home is both visually stunning and practical for modern family living.
The End Result
The Esplanade renovation in Manly (Queensland) has completely redefined this waterfront home, blending timeless Hamptons elegance with modern comfort to suit Brisbane’s bayside lifestyle. What was once a dated floorplan has become a refined, functional residence that celebrates its coastal location while offering luxury and practicality for family living.
Upstairs, the inclusion of a new ensuite resolved a long-standing gap in the design, creating a private retreat that added comfort without compromising bedroom space. Downstairs, the kitchen emerged as the heart of the home, with a striking black Smeg oven, custom joinery, and stone finishes. This Brisbane property balances sophistication with everyday usability, perfectly suited to relaxed living in Manly’s coastal setting.
Outdoor living was a major focus of the Manly renovation. The refurbished pool and pool house created a resort-style sanctuary ideal for entertaining, while the new front deck, gatehouse, and driveway improved both function and street appeal. These upgrades strengthened the connection between the home and its Esplanade location, making the most of its bayside outlook.
A highlight of the project was the addition of an in-house salon, offering a professional space that complements modern family life. This bespoke feature reflects Waddell Projects’ ability to design for lifestyle, work, and location-specific needs in Brisbane’s bayside suburbs.
The completed Esplanade, Manly renovation now stands as a showcase of Hamptons-inspired design adapted for Queensland conditions. It is versatile, elegant, and perfectly positioned for everyday living and entertaining along Brisbane’s stunning waterfront. The home not only preserves its character but has been elevated into a true bayside sanctuary that the family will enjoy for years to come.